tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648Tue, 24 Feb 2015 18:17:34 +0000ChristmasTheme PartiesHalloweenFun recipes to make with kidsCupcakes and CakesEasterActivities for KidsFun Snacks for KidsValentine's DayRecipesCraft Projects for KidsSt. Patrick's DayStorytime Activities and CraftsThanksgivingCreative Gift IdeasParty GamesClasses and Tours for KidsSewing ProjectsCraft ProjectsParenting IdeasBack to School IdeasCelebrating the Last Day of SchoolChinese New YearDr. SeussGraduation ideasOrganization IdeasSummer Activities for KidsTips4th of JulyArt ClassesArts and Crafts KitCamping IdeasCandy Bar AwardsCleaning Card BoxDinner Conversation JarFamily Cooking ClassGeneral Conference Kits for KidsGratitude JournalsIdea BookLDS Object Lesson IdeasNew Year's EveParty FavorsPick-Your-Own Farm MarketsSchool LunchesSight Seeing BookSunday BoxSunday Planning HourTeacher Appreciation GiftsHomemaking Funhttp://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jadi)Blogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-9100836370566818588Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:53:00 +00002011-08-31T14:56:16.674-07:00Art ClassesSummer Activities for KidsSummer Art Classes and Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVBlKI-rKpU/Tl6UeFZ-zCI/AAAAAAAAC6g/Ol-HyQi3YYc/s1600/invitation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVBlKI-rKpU/Tl6UeFZ-zCI/AAAAAAAAC6g/Ol-HyQi3YYc/s320/invitation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647114227337317410" border="0" /></a>
<br />This summer I hosted a weekly arts and crafts day for my kids and their friends.
<br />Each week I set out enough art supplies for the kids to make 2-3 projects. Some of the kids chose to make one project and others wanted to make them all. I also provided a treat for them each week. We had snow cones, ice cream sundaes, cookies, brownies, ect. It ended up being a lot of fun and something the kids looked forward to each week. At the end of of the summer I hosted an art show for the kids to show off their artwork.
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZyvgMaRMoY/Tl6rcHywo7I/AAAAAAAAC64/5aaWFQ7JhnI/s1600/flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZyvgMaRMoY/Tl6rcHywo7I/AAAAAAAAC64/5aaWFQ7JhnI/s320/flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647139482385818546" border="0" /></a>On the day of the art show I hung the art work up throughout the first floor of my home. Here are some close ups of the projects we made. The girls decorated paper flowers and I created a 8X10 picture collage of the featured artists. The kids thought it was fun to see their picture.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kqh0NOsuno/Tl6PFjzXzFI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/jtaUGL41yJ8/s1600/watercolors.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kqh0NOsuno/Tl6PFjzXzFI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/jtaUGL41yJ8/s320/watercolors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647108308442008658" border="0" /></a>I had a jumbo watercolor paper pad. The kids were creative and enjoyed creating their own masterpieces with watercolors.
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LF_1R8Jgbx0/Tl6Hihe-UfI/AAAAAAAAC38/jiWgvUFmkWI/s1600/tin%2Bfoil%2Bborder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LF_1R8Jgbx0/Tl6Hihe-UfI/AAAAAAAAC38/jiWgvUFmkWI/s320/tin%2Bfoil%2Bborder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647100009942766066" border="0" /></a>These tin foil paintings were fun. I wrapped and taped a piece of tin foil to the back of card stock sheets. I made sure the kids all had aprons for this project. We used bright colored acrylic paint and foam paint brushes.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvNWriLyDgE/Tl6Nn7tla1I/AAAAAAAAC5I/cs7dNtjNHQE/s1600/bugs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvNWriLyDgE/Tl6Nn7tla1I/AAAAAAAAC5I/cs7dNtjNHQE/s320/bugs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647106699952483154" border="0" /></a>I found a set of cutout bugs on colored card stock at the craft store. The kids had fun being creative and making them unique. :) They used glitter, markers, pipe cleaners, pom poms and googly eyes to decorate them.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpWVi6N3jYI/Tl6M2V1RB1I/AAAAAAAAC5A/VhsGaUnM4xc/s1600/rolled%2Bpaper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpWVi6N3jYI/Tl6M2V1RB1I/AAAAAAAAC5A/VhsGaUnM4xc/s320/rolled%2Bpaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647105847970563922" border="0" /></a>I cut strips of colored paper out for this rolled paper art project. The kids rolled the paper tightly around small wooden dowels or pencils. Then they glued them to a piece of card stock to make a design.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4oLhqCzLRM/Tl6Lg1vkQpI/AAAAAAAAC4o/__cKL3KIrU4/s1600/fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4oLhqCzLRM/Tl6Lg1vkQpI/AAAAAAAAC4o/__cKL3KIrU4/s320/fish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647104379067843218" border="0" /></a>I found a pattern for the rainbow fish online. The kids used watercolors to paint the fish and then glued on some glitter and a googly eye. I had them glue the fish to colored paper, if I was to do it again I would have them glue the fish to card stock.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLrvO1xIp28/Tl6KMsqRAPI/AAAAAAAAC4U/BImhKyr7SLU/s1600/noodles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLrvO1xIp28/Tl6KMsqRAPI/AAAAAAAAC4U/BImhKyr7SLU/s320/noodles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647102933520679154" border="0" /></a>For this project I set out colored beans, froot loops and noodles. I told the kids to draw a picture and then trace it with glue. Then they covered the glue with the beans, cereal and noodles.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oafDBlnxDQ8/Tl6JNWocfHI/AAAAAAAAC4M/8KIiPfAgnRk/s1600/plaster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oafDBlnxDQ8/Tl6JNWocfHI/AAAAAAAAC4M/8KIiPfAgnRk/s320/plaster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647101845275704434" border="0" /></a>This was a popular project. The kids all enjoyed painting these. Aprons were a must for this project as well.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J35GbZbRiqE/Tl6SFfuVLGI/AAAAAAAAC6A/2D7Fjah0nm8/s1600/sticks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J35GbZbRiqE/Tl6SFfuVLGI/AAAAAAAAC6A/2D7Fjah0nm8/s320/sticks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647111605882006626" border="0" /></a>I found a pack of 20 of these sheets at Target. The kit came with sticks and stencils. The kids used the sticks to scratch a design onto the paper. This was another favorite project.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LF_1R8Jgbx0/Tl6Hihe-UfI/AAAAAAAAC38/jiWgvUFmkWI/s1600/tin%2Bfoil%2Bborder.jpg">
<br /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKXqzxumKLU/Tl6S29d4TTI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/_1RYofmHKHA/s1600/20110810_61.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKXqzxumKLU/Tl6S29d4TTI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/_1RYofmHKHA/s400/20110810_61.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647112455679659314" border="0" /></a>For the refreshments I served chocolate chip cookies, pudding sugar cookies, brownies, cupcakes and lemonade.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MAEsrnAMGY/Tl6ReQjRy8I/AAAAAAAAC5w/yAsQyN-Or40/s1600/artists.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MAEsrnAMGY/Tl6ReQjRy8I/AAAAAAAAC5w/yAsQyN-Or40/s400/artists.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647110931794217922" border="0" /></a>Because it was an open house I wasn't able to get a pictures of all of the kids together at the same time.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awjXzjoHVqI/Tl6XXl_AOjI/AAAAAAAAC6o/CDhxFXuFFzU/s1600/kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awjXzjoHVqI/Tl6XXl_AOjI/AAAAAAAAC6o/CDhxFXuFFzU/s320/kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647117414358334002" border="0" /></a>Here are some of the other artists. The kids all had fun and I enjoyed visiting with my neighbors and friends.
<br />http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2011/08/summer-art-classes-and-show.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-2748049100988459286Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:03:00 +00002011-01-08T22:23:12.352-08:00Theme PartiesA Lego Themed Birthday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSIpy7dAI/AAAAAAAAC2c/a47Dd9NuniE/s1600/invite3011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSIpy7dAI/AAAAAAAAC2c/a47Dd9NuniE/s320/invite3011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560065523577484290" border="0" /></a>I threw this birthday party for my son last November right before we moved. My son loves Lego's and requested a Lego themed party. I had a lot of fun planning this party. I created this invitation in Paint Shop Pro.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSI99VQVI/AAAAAAAAC2k/_l0VSMKoOu4/s1600/20101106_23331.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSI99VQVI/AAAAAAAAC2k/_l0VSMKoOu4/s320/20101106_23331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560065528989827410" border="0" /></a>For the place settings:<br /><br />I bought square blue plates, yellow cups, white napkins, and green spoons. I found a Lego logo online and printed it to make the napkins rings. I ended up making cupcakes but<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/building-blocks-cakes/ca36541e-624c-48af-ab78-68ef256e8903">HERE</a> is a cute idea for a Lego block cake.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlT88Ne7NI/AAAAAAAAC3c/RfP5iJr6Ku4/s1600/20101106_28.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlT88Ne7NI/AAAAAAAAC3c/RfP5iJr6Ku4/s320/20101106_28.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560067521385524434" border="0" /></a> I filled the goodie bags with a Lego toy, candy blocks (I picked these up at the mall candy store), and a fun dip. I also gave them each a Lego magazine to take home.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSJIGejtI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HAyB6mJn3Kw/s1600/Image1111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlSJIGejtI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HAyB6mJn3Kw/s320/Image1111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560065531712540370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">For the goodie bags </span>I bought a package of 13 small gift bags at Michael's for $5.99. I used a 1 1/2" circle punch to cut circles out of matching colored card stock. If the card stock is a shade or two lighter then the bag then the circles will stand out better. I also used double sided foam squares to attach the circles to the bags.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For the banner</span> I printed the letters at size 500 using a Lego font. Then I colored a border around the letters with a yellow marker. I cut them out and used a double sided adhesive to attach them to 6X6 inch squares of poster board. You can get the Lego font for free from <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.typenow.net/themed.htm">www.typenow.net</a>, it is #268 Lego Font. Typenow is a great place to get free theme fonts.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TNYCA5b8YnI/AAAAAAAACtA/9vfViwa6UrQ/s1600/20101106_16161.jpg"><br /></a>I found these <span style="font-weight: bold;">printable straw toppers</span> online at a blog called My Party File. (The link I had to it won't work anymore) I just printed them on card stock, cut them out, and taped them to the straws.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS6WifRcI/AAAAAAAAC28/pbkbbaVe4Nk/s1600/20101106_3535.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS6WifRcI/AAAAAAAAC28/pbkbbaVe4Nk/s320/20101106_3535.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560066377401714114" border="0" /></a>We let the kids have some free play time with the Lego's until all of the guests arrived. Then we gave them each a Lego Racer car kit. After they all finished building their race cars we put down two of the table legs and had the kids race their cars down the table. The winner got a prize and all of the party guests got to keep their race cars.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS516Hy-I/AAAAAAAAC20/VREv3KhKXok/s1600/20101106_64.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS516Hy-I/AAAAAAAAC20/VREv3KhKXok/s320/20101106_64.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560066368642468834" border="0" /></a>The boys all loved putting together their own race cars.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS6pMMu6I/AAAAAAAAC3E/fGujEpZ5yAY/s1600/20101106_71.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlS6pMMu6I/AAAAAAAAC3E/fGujEpZ5yAY/s320/20101106_71.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560066382408498082" border="0" /></a>After the races we spread out a bunch of small Lego pieces on the table and gave each party guest a straw. The object of the game was to put as many Lego pieces as they could on their plate in one minute. They could only pick up the Lego's using the straw.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlTWsQFM_I/AAAAAAAAC3M/Hsbrhjm9fSU/s1600/20101106_84.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlTWsQFM_I/AAAAAAAAC3M/Hsbrhjm9fSU/s320/20101106_84.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560066864266425330" border="0" /></a>We played Lego Creationary. It is a Lego game where the kids take turns trying to get the other players to guess what they are building out of Lego's. The game cards give them pictures of what to make.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlTjCRi53I/AAAAAAAAC3U/cz-XdoDyl8c/s1600/Image20.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TSlTjCRi53I/AAAAAAAAC3U/cz-XdoDyl8c/s320/Image20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560067076336576370" border="0" /></a>I made this simple Lego toss game by taping poster board strips together. We ended up putting it on the carpet so that it wouldn't slide when the kids threw the Lego pieces. We gave each party guest 10 Lego pieces and had them stand behind a line to toss them. The guest with the most points won a prize.<br /><br />I also filled a jar with Lego's. Each guest wrote their name and guessed how many Lego's were in the jar. The guest with the closest guess won a prize.<br /><br />It was a fun party.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2011/01/lego-themed-birthday-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-2896714556253976258Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:38:00 +00002010-12-19T11:49:10.424-08:00ChristmasCute Candy Cane PoemI am looking forward to blogging again after the beginning of the year. I recently went through a big move and it has taken me some time to get settled. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the holidays!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TQ5hhiTu4jI/AAAAAAAACvo/mJ9PKTNjcK0/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TQ5hhiTu4jI/AAAAAAAACvo/mJ9PKTNjcK0/s320/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552482619367547442" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TQ5fOhv_zZI/AAAAAAAACvg/SXvkxILoeDI/s1600/036.JPG"><br /></a>My daughter's primary teacher gave this to her. I thought it was too cute not to share.<br /><br />Here is the poem:<br /><br />The candy cane turned<br />upside down,<br />is the letter J.<br />To remind us of<br />the baby Jesus<br />born of Christmas Day!http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/12/cute-candy-cane-poem.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1580481789216737983Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:30:00 +00002010-10-30T05:57:46.407-07:00HalloweenRecipesOreo Suckers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TMwQIQkZc-I/AAAAAAAACrI/AXPcXntVAy4/s1600/Oreo+Mummy+Suckers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TMwQIQkZc-I/AAAAAAAACrI/AXPcXntVAy4/s400/Oreo+Mummy+Suckers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533815776204125154" border="0" /></a>My friend Robin found this idea on <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/halloween-cookie-suckers">www.howdoesshe.com</a>. We decided to get together and try making some. These were really quick and easy to make. We ended up using two bags of Wilton white candy melts to make two dozen suckers. We also used Wilton tip #102. I think I will try using tips 103 or 104 if I make them again. My friend also ordered the candy eyes from this website <a href="http://www.sweetbakingsupply.com/royal-icing-eyes-inch-white-p-1597.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.sweetbakingsupply.com.</span> </a> You could also use M&amp;M's for the eyes or make your own out of royal icing.<br /><br />We handed these out to a few of my kid's friends and they all loved them!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TMwULUySTII/AAAAAAAACrQ/N_Aq99_76k8/s1600/oreo+cookies2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TMwULUySTII/AAAAAAAACrQ/N_Aq99_76k8/s400/oreo+cookies2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533820226922237058" border="0" /></a>For Christmas I want to make some of <span style="font-weight: bold;">these</span> Oreo suckers. Click <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/oreo-cookie-sucker-tutorial"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">HERE </span></a>to go to How Does She for the tutorial.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/10/oreo-suckers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-5442943044587034675Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:37:00 +00002010-10-14T16:37:10.183-07:00Theme PartiesA Mario Brothers Birthday PartyMy good friend, Lily J (<a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://ilovethewaysheblogs.blogspot.com/">founder of the blog, <span style="font-style: italic;">I Love the Way She Blogs</span></a>) recently threw a Mario Brothers party for her son's 6th birthday. I LOVED how it turned out and asked her if she would be willing to let me post about it. She was kind enough to send me pictures and detailed information about how she came up with the ideas, and even included some links. Here are the pictures and details in her words.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEYUc1lkI/AAAAAAAACq4/5oMLsO7jaiE/s1600/yoshibag.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEYUc1lkI/AAAAAAAACq4/5oMLsO7jaiE/s400/yoshibag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527962252217783874" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A few days before E's birthday I overheard him tell his friends that he was probably going to have another Spider-man party. Although he is only turning 6 he said, "It will be like my 10th Spider-man party!" I laughed out loud and secretly planned a <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_0">Mario</span> themed party for him instead.<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.oneprettything.com/?s=mario"> </a><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oneprettything.com/?s=mario"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_1">One Pretty Thing</span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span>proved to be a very useful site when I searched "Mario".<br /><br />The Yoshi loot bag template can be found <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.coolpartyblog.com/2009/02/create-custom-yoshi-loot-bags.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_2">here</span></a>. I let the kids assemble their own Yoshi bag as one of our party activities.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEPq34dfI/AAAAAAAACqg/ZvGktHpDJtA/s1600/cupcakes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEPq34dfI/AAAAAAAACqg/ZvGktHpDJtA/s400/cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527962103617975794" border="0" /></a><br />My cupcakes were supposed to look like Toad, but the kids thought they looked more like Yoshi Eggs.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEP6V2KuI/AAAAAAAACqo/FkDZcLWCdss/s1600/bright+mario.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdEP6V2KuI/AAAAAAAACqo/FkDZcLWCdss/s400/bright+mario.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527962107770186466" border="0" /></a><br /></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>When I read about <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://creativepartyplace.com/cake/mario-bros-birthday-party/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_3">This</span></a><a href="http://creativepartyplace.com/cake/mario-bros-birthday-party/"> </a>party I was inspired to use lots of balloons to make the party bright. The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_4">paper stars</span> were easy to make out of poster board and I hung them throughout the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdMxkMdwVI/AAAAAAAACrA/mRccSJCrQIo/s1600/starcoins.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TLdMxkMdwVI/AAAAAAAACrA/mRccSJCrQIo/s400/starcoins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527971482033832274" border="0" /></a><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>I got my idea for Yoshi Eggs from <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://geschblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-super-mario-birthday-party.html">here</a>. After boiling the eggs I drew spots on with permanent markers. We used the eggs to play Egg Toss in the yard. I used a few bags of Rolos to represent "star coins". I pretended to read a note from Toad asking the children to find as many star coins as they could to help save <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287078039_5">Princess Peach</span>. Then they went on a mad dash to collect the coins in their Yoshi bags.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> E was very surprised by the theme and had a great time. Now if only there was a way to help the new 6 year-old avoid disappointment when the party ends and everyone goes home :)<br /><br />Thanks for sharing the great party ideas, Lily J!! If you have never checked out, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://ilovethewaysheblogs.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">I Love the Way She Blogs</span></a> then you should. It has all kinds of cool links and tutorials to help you customize your blog.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/10/mario-brothers-birthday-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-9043405179681548042Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:44:00 +00002010-10-07T07:06:50.803-07:00School LunchesHello Again and School LunchesIt feels like it has been forever since I last updated this blog. I apologize for that. We had a really busy summer. We tried to get in as much sight seeing as we could and I ended up getting burned out. However, now that the kids are back in school I am starting to get my motivation back and I am looking forward to blogging again.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TK3PepmyZKI/AAAAAAAACqY/49De8szWyu4/s1600/2010-10-07.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TK3PepmyZKI/AAAAAAAACqY/49De8szWyu4/s400/2010-10-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525300443325031586" border="0" /></a>I wanted to share this simple but fun idea for school lunches. I saw a comment on one of my cousin's facebook pages. Her friend suggested putting character napkins in her son's lunches. I thought that was a fun idea and decided to buy some for my kids. Every time I go to the store I try to pick up a new set of napkins. I also put a sticker and love note in my daughter's lunches. Sometimes I will write a message on a treat wrapper in place of a love note. My daughter looks forward to seeing which napkin and sticker I put in her lunch. My son is too old and cool for the stickers and love notes but he loves the character napkins.<br /><br />Please let me know if there is anything fun you do for your kids lunches.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/10/hello-again-and-school-lunches.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-6103666283153097219Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:17:00 +00002010-06-21T17:48:27.378-07:00Celebrating the Last Day of SchoolTheme PartiesSummer Pool Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBw9X6G0EII/AAAAAAAACoI/Gr-nVS4S8JE/s1600/20100617_851.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBw9X6G0EII/AAAAAAAACoI/Gr-nVS4S8JE/s400/20100617_851.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484325927174541442" border="0" /></a>We had a pool party to celebrate the last day of school and the beginning of summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBwOfplB-eI/AAAAAAAACnA/U2BFPMisUqI/s1600/20100617_333.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBwOfplB-eI/AAAAAAAACnA/U2BFPMisUqI/s400/20100617_333.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484274383130327522" border="0" /></a>I had a lot of fun planning this party.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuFlY5YivI/AAAAAAAACj4/Pm61C0CcvKM/s1600/20100617_9.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuFlY5YivI/AAAAAAAACj4/Pm61C0CcvKM/s320/20100617_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484123848638499570" border="0" /></a>I used gel food coloring to match the cupcake frosting colors to the party favors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TB_xZEkb6II/AAAAAAAACow/zZg-y5Ty2_c/s1600/20100617_18.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TB_xZEkb6II/AAAAAAAACow/zZg-y5Ty2_c/s320/20100617_18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485368284186142850" border="0" /></a>I found these napkins at Micheal's. I cut out 4" strips of paper and attached them into rings with double sided adhesive. I found a pool party themed sticker book at Micheal's for $1. I put a sticker on each of the paper rings and then slid a rolled up napkin and spoon into each paper ring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TB_yUav7e_I/AAAAAAAACpA/8z4UG6V-HWg/s1600/20100617_13111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TB_yUav7e_I/AAAAAAAACpA/8z4UG6V-HWg/s320/20100617_13111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485369303752211442" border="0" /></a>I found these at the Dollar Tree. They were filled with candy fish and came with a squeeze n' squirt water toy. I loved how bright they were and thought they would make perfect party favors. I attached a tag with a ribbon to each one that said, "Have a fun summer!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBul53qWUHI/AAAAAAAACkg/x1xpXPCGGAI/s1600/20100617_54.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBul53qWUHI/AAAAAAAACkg/x1xpXPCGGAI/s320/20100617_54.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484159384866410610" border="0" /></a>We had a rubber duck race. The kids had to get their rubber duck to the other side of the pool by nudging the duck with their nose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBunTYg6TGI/AAAAAAAACko/GYnBI-WZ5yU/s1600/20100617_46.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBunTYg6TGI/AAAAAAAACko/GYnBI-WZ5yU/s320/20100617_46.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484160922693553250" border="0" /></a>We also played a water relay game. The first player of each team had to pass the sponge to the back of their line. The last person had to soak the sponge in the water and then pass it back to the front of the line. The first person in line had to ring out the water into the bucket. The team with the most water in their bucket when I called time won a prize.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuozFlVJtI/AAAAAAAAClA/4iQ7bt-yTHM/s1600/20100617_941.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuozFlVJtI/AAAAAAAAClA/4iQ7bt-yTHM/s320/20100617_941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484162566879258322" border="0" /></a>These temporary tattoos were a big hit with the kids. I had dinosaurs for the boys and glittery ones for the girls. I found them at the Dollar Tree.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuntJGwcCI/AAAAAAAACkw/abn8KbkaeDI/s1600/20100617_108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBuntJGwcCI/AAAAAAAACkw/abn8KbkaeDI/s320/20100617_108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484161365233922082" border="0" /></a>We had a popsicle eating contest. I gave each contestant half of a popsicle. Whoever finished eating all of their popsicle first won. The prize was a pool/water toy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TCAILCErJVI/AAAAAAAACpY/oY5yMNsfypE/s1600/20100617_1251.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TCAILCErJVI/AAAAAAAACpY/oY5yMNsfypE/s400/20100617_1251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485393331765323090" border="0" /></a>For dessert we had ice cream sundaes, brownies, and cupcakes. It was a fun day!http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-pool-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-3683186893000778746Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:32:00 +00002010-06-12T12:46:17.226-07:00Pick-Your-Own Farm MarketsPick-Your-Own Farm Markets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBPg10oIa3I/AAAAAAAACh4/71YPQFsY3F4/s1600/Image11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TBPg10oIa3I/AAAAAAAACh4/71YPQFsY3F4/s400/Image11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481972386704681842" border="0" /></a>If you have never been to a pick-your-own farm then you have been missing out. We recently went to a place called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Larriland</span> Farm in Woodbine, MD. They had strawberries, raspberries, peas, sweet cherries and spinach. We picked strawberries and raspberries this time. I think we had a little too much fun and ended up picking more then we needed. We ended up with 8 pounds of strawberries and 6 pounds of raspberries. We have already made several batches of freezer jam that we can't wait to eat. We are also in the process of making homemade strawberry ice cream and strawberry shortcake. We all had a ton of fun and can't wait to go back in the fall to pick apples.<br /><br />You can find a pick-your-own farm near you by visiting <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.pickyourown.org/">www.pickyourown.org</a>.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/06/pick-your-own-farm-markets.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-8895122988764129035Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:35:00 +00002010-06-21T17:39:37.661-07:00Summer Activities for KidsFree or Cheap Summer Activities for KidsI am getting so excited to have my kids home from school during the summer. I am working on planning out our summer schedule and thought some of you might be interested in some of these free or cheap activities that I found online or heard about from friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqMKOw9lCI/AAAAAAAAChI/WORvd2diGWA/s1600/kids-bowl-free.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 171px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqMKOw9lCI/AAAAAAAAChI/WORvd2diGWA/s400/kids-bowl-free.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479346004039668770" border="0" /></a>You can register your children online for the kids bowl free summer fun bowling pass. It is good for 2 free games of bowling a day all summer.<br /><br />Here is a link to their website: <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/">www.kidsbowlfree.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqM4Slz6OI/AAAAAAAAChQ/iuZXdbRnJN4/s1600/img_freeFamilyFilmFestival.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 184px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqM4Slz6OI/AAAAAAAAChQ/iuZXdbRnJN4/s400/img_freeFamilyFilmFestival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479346795340622050" border="0" /></a><br />Regal Cinemas has a free family film festival program during the summer. They will be showing free movies during the day time two days a week.<br /><br />Click Here to find a theater near you:<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?">http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TCAGEsQU9HI/AAAAAAAACpI/tVwyvs_BNyQ/s1600/header.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TCAGEsQU9HI/AAAAAAAACpI/tVwyvs_BNyQ/s400/header.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485391023806149746" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cinemark also has a </span>family summer movie program. You can purchase coupon books to see 10 shows for $5 or just go to the shows you want to for $1 a show. Click <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/">HERE</a> to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cinemark's</span> website to find a theater near you and see the movie listings.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAquCuhZw-I/AAAAAAAAChw/my-H_P350oM/s1600/summerreading_hdr.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 49px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAquCuhZw-I/AAAAAAAAChw/my-H_P350oM/s400/summerreading_hdr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479383258520732642" border="0" /></a><br />Barnes and Noble is offering a free summer reading program for kids. Kids can earn a free book when they read 8 books this summer.<br /><br />Click here to go to Barnes and Noble's site to download a reading form: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp</span><br /><br /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqOHEQMo2I/AAAAAAAAChg/cnMkY_Tp93I/s1600/KidgitsLogoBlue1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 185px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAqOHEQMo2I/AAAAAAAAChg/cnMkY_Tp93I/s320/KidgitsLogoBlue1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479348148701537122" border="0" /></a>Depending on where you live you can sign your kids up for the Simon Kidgits Club for $5 a year. If you sign up at the mall customer service desk then each child will get a free t-shirt. They have several activities throughout the year that are free or super cheap. The location near me is offering the following activities this summer:<br /><br />A sword fight demonstration at Medieval times (free with membership)<br />Bass Pro Shop wildlife tour that includes fish feeding (free with membership)<br />Make-your-own pizza day at Remono's restaurant ($2 a child fee)<br />Play Day at Dave &amp; Busters ($12-$14 per child for a play card)<br />Storytime at Books-A-Million<br /><br />Click here to go to their website:<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span><a href="http://www.simon.com/kidgits/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">http://www.simon.com/kidgits/</span><br /></a><br />The library also offers summer programs for kids and we usually spend a lot of time at the swimming pools. If you know of any other summer programs or activities please let me know!http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/06/free-or-cheap-summer-activities-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-5319390988176279670Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:37:00 +00002010-06-04T14:04:50.904-07:00Camping IdeasCraft Projects for KidsCamping Crafts and Activities for KidsFirst of all, thank you for all of your nice comments! I love to read them and appreciate them all.<br /><br />My kids both love to make crafts so I put together a few craft projects for our family camping trip. I thought I would share them in case any of you were planning a family camping trip this summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAliQuqLUbI/AAAAAAAACg4/qKxGj7YWGSo/s1600/20100531_180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAliQuqLUbI/AAAAAAAACg4/qKxGj7YWGSo/s320/20100531_180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479018461215281586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlb-m7L4jI/AAAAAAAACgI/Sqhdth5l9VY/s1600/20100531_415.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlb-m7L4jI/AAAAAAAACgI/Sqhdth5l9VY/s320/20100531_415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479011552831726130" border="0" /></a>I wanted to buy t-shirts from the craft store but I ran out of time so I picked up these pillow cases from the Dollar Tree instead.<br /><br />For this craft project you will need:<br /><br />Foam paint brushes<br />Assorted colors of acrylic paint<br />Pillowcases or t-shirts<br />Assorted shapes and sizes of leafs<br /><br />Paint the back side of a leaf. Carefully place the painted side of the leaf on the pillowcase or t-shirt where you want it and press down. Repeat with different leafs and paint colors. Lay on a flat surface to dry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlcjrY-u-I/AAAAAAAACgY/BFBohaum8Nw/s1600/20100531_362.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlcjrY-u-I/AAAAAAAACgY/BFBohaum8Nw/s320/20100531_362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479012189685595106" border="0" /></a>For this craft project you will need:<br /><br />Clear contact paper (I bought a roll from the Dollar Tree)<br />small flowers, leafs, and leaf stems<br />Card stock cut out into the shape of a butterfly or any other shape you want<br /><br />I found a pattern for a butterfly online. I traced it onto pink card stock and cut out the inside of the wings. To make the craft lay the butterfly on top of a piece of contact paper sticky side up. Let the kids place flowers and leaves on the inside of the wings. Next have them place leaf stems and flowers on the contact paper for the antennas. Then place another piece of clear contact paper over the top to seal the two pieces of contact paper together. The sticky sides should touch. Cut out around the butterfly leaving a little bit of contact paper around the outside of the butterfly to make it waterproof. Use a small hole punch to make a hole in the top and string some thin ribbon through the hole. Hang the butterfly up and watch it fly around in the wind.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlbluyKCzI/AAAAAAAACgA/BEhWFCMXzlI/s1600/20100531_390.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlbluyKCzI/AAAAAAAACgA/BEhWFCMXzlI/s320/20100531_390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479011125444610866" border="0" /></a>I found these butterfly nets at the Dollar Tree. My kids loved them! They used them to catch frogs, minnows, butterflies and bubbles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlbIx0PvmI/AAAAAAAACf4/_xXDU4OUbxc/s1600/20100531_75.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAlbIx0PvmI/AAAAAAAACf4/_xXDU4OUbxc/s320/20100531_75.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479010628042473058" border="0" /></a>I also found these bug catchers at the Dollar Tree. My kids both loved walking around searching for pet bugs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAloc_fmg1I/AAAAAAAAChA/HZOYdtam6gc/s1600/20100604_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/TAloc_fmg1I/AAAAAAAAChA/HZOYdtam6gc/s320/20100604_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479025268962526034" border="0" /></a>Depending on where you live or go camping you might not be near a beach but in case you are here is a cheap and fun souvenir idea.<br /><br />Our last project was making beach in a jar souvenirs. We collected some sand from the beach and the kids picked out some of their favorite sea shells to place in their jars.<br /><br />I would love to hear if you have any fun camping craft ideas or activities for kids!http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/06/camping-crafts-and-activities-for-kids.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-6412500669856955879Sun, 16 May 2010 03:10:00 +00002011-01-07T15:48:23.231-08:00Theme PartiesA Tinkerbell Birthday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9pyY5jWUI/AAAAAAAACcI/bkqcvLAKz1g/s1600/20100515_115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9pyY5jWUI/AAAAAAAACcI/bkqcvLAKz1g/s400/20100515_115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471708386676660546" border="0" /></a>My daughter just turned six. To celebrate we had a Tinkerbell party. I had so much fun preparing for this party. For the place settings I created Tinkerbell place cards in paint shop pro, placed a wand on each plate, and tied a ribbon around the handle of the cups and hot glued a silk flower to the ribbon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9xx_ADNWI/AAAAAAAACc4/B6UHeuLw3fM/s1600/20100515_371.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9xx_ADNWI/AAAAAAAACc4/B6UHeuLw3fM/s400/20100515_371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471717175817614690" border="0" /></a>When the girls arrived I gave them fairy make overs. I dusted their cheeks with fairy dust (body glitter), let them pick out a set of sticker ear rings, gave them a Tinkerbell ring, painted their fingernails with glittery nail polish, and gave them a set of fairy wings if they didn't already have some. They all LOVED this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_E9RLgxqdI/AAAAAAAACdg/ZBO0jGnCc3c/s1600/20100515_1831.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_E9RLgxqdI/AAAAAAAACdg/ZBO0jGnCc3c/s400/20100515_1831.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472222387589196242" border="0" /></a>After they were turned into a fairy I had them color a canvas picture of Tinkerbell while they were waiting for the other guests to arrive. I found the canvas picture/crayon sets at Michael's for $1 a set.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9ifxhbvNI/AAAAAAAACbg/wZ_F8DUY_lI/s1600/20100515_208.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9ifxhbvNI/AAAAAAAACbg/wZ_F8DUY_lI/s400/20100515_208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471700370287475922" border="0" /></a>We served pizza for dinner. After pizza we handed out Tinkerbell ribbon batons and took the girls on a walk to try them out. These were a big hit! They all LOVED them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FFO3KlG-I/AAAAAAAACdo/a7eKYYYxETc/s1600/Image100.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FFO3KlG-I/AAAAAAAACdo/a7eKYYYxETc/s400/Image100.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231143860673506" border="0" /></a>I set up a Tinkerbell prize shoppe and we played bingo for one of the games. I found some brown Tinkerbell paper bags at the Dollar Tree. I wrote their names on the bags and let them use them to collect their prizes in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FGJHJQ23I/AAAAAAAACdw/cPh9JvOf1K4/s1600/20100515_260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FGJHJQ23I/AAAAAAAACdw/cPh9JvOf1K4/s400/20100515_260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472232144582531954" border="0" /></a>We also had to play Fairy, Fairy, Tinkerbell aka Duck, Duck, Goose because it is my daughter's favorite game.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FI222LvDI/AAAAAAAACd4/Rk-twkU-a-8/s1600/20100515_294.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FI222LvDI/AAAAAAAACd4/Rk-twkU-a-8/s400/20100515_294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472235129504775218" border="0" /></a>We made edible fairy wands out of pretzel sticks, vanilla flavored candiquick, and sprinkles. After the candy coating dried I wrapped them in individual pretzel bags and tied them with a glittery ribbon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FKKumUV0I/AAAAAAAACeA/XRa8eRpmfeY/s1600/20100515_274.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FKKumUV0I/AAAAAAAACeA/XRa8eRpmfeY/s400/20100515_274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472236570399758146" border="0" /></a>I forgot to take a picture of the cake before the party. It was a flower with Tinkerbell on top. I also bought some cupcakes with flower rings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FL7jNjepI/AAAAAAAACeI/2PkQsYngywE/s1600/20100515_350.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FL7jNjepI/AAAAAAAACeI/2PkQsYngywE/s400/20100515_350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472238508668320402" border="0" /></a>After the cake and ice cream we opened the presents. My daughter wanted a sleepover so we made that part optional. A few of the girls stayed to sleepover. My husband put on some music and the girls had a dance party.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_Fqp8XPDNI/AAAAAAAACeo/44SvT_9lRGg/s1600/20100515_369.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_Fqp8XPDNI/AAAAAAAACeo/44SvT_9lRGg/s400/20100515_369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472272291042626770" border="0" /></a>We played a Silly Spinner Tinkerbell game that you can print for free from <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://a.disney.go.com/fairies/pixiehollow/pdfs/SillySpinner_v2.pdf">Here</a>. The girls are pulling silly fish faces. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FNFHnK7iI/AAAAAAAACeY/a2dUgmd8kig/s1600/20100515_376.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FNFHnK7iI/AAAAAAAACeY/a2dUgmd8kig/s400/20100515_376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472239772569890338" border="0" /></a>We ended the night with a Tinkerbell movie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9wYdBEcNI/AAAAAAAACco/jy1WNzpEMBM/s1600/20100515_380.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S-9wYdBEcNI/AAAAAAAACco/jy1WNzpEMBM/s400/20100515_380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471715637686726866" border="0" /></a>For breakfast I bought mini boxes of cereal, packages of mini donuts, and I made these butterfly waffles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FNv84di4I/AAAAAAAACeg/zFhTuQlSlI4/s1600/20100515_129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S_FNv84di4I/AAAAAAAACeg/zFhTuQlSlI4/s400/20100515_129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472240508423998338" border="0" /></a>I bought these bags on clearance after Halloween. I put their wands, ribbon batons, bingo prize bags, and edible fairy wands in these bags for them to take home.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/05/tinkerbell-birthday-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1201808078479731887Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:51:00 +00002010-03-29T09:35:19.810-07:00EasterEaster Treat Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DUIUatIKI/AAAAAAAACbQ/NCPODtKROHw/s1600/Image+easter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DUIUatIKI/AAAAAAAACbQ/NCPODtKROHw/s400/Image+easter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454092388130431138" border="0" /></a><br />I thought I would share some of my favorite Easter treat ideas in case any of you were looking for something fun to make this Easter.<br /><br />1. Make this bunny cake with <a href="http://www.pillsburybaking.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?recipeID=2270"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Pillsbury</span></a>. I have made this cake several times. My kids always love to help decorate it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DHWV94I-I/AAAAAAAACaw/Vfwvgi08pw8/s1600/easter+basket+cake.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DHWV94I-I/AAAAAAAACaw/Vfwvgi08pw8/s1600/easter+basket+cake.jpg"><br /></a>2. Make this Easter basket cake with <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/easter-basket-cake-685871/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Family Fun</span></a>. I have made this cake too. It was fun and easy to make.<br /><br />3. Make these edible Easter basket cupcakes with <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-recipes/easter-cakes-desserts/edible-easter-basket-682233/">Family Fun</a>. You could also use red string licorice for the handles.<br /><br />4. Make bunny cupcakes with <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/easter-bunny-cupcakes-685427/">Family Fun</a>.<br /><br />5. Make Pita Rabbits with<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/pita-rabbit-855408/">Family Fun</a>. You could also use the same idea with sugar cookies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DGygjoh5I/AAAAAAAACao/KJxTeiT-10A/s1600/bunny+cake.jpg"><br /></a>6. Make mini cheesecakes with<a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=113"> Bright Ideas</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S7DJ1zJgwvI/AAAAAAAACa4/7MPiPZo4mQ0/s1600/ediblebirdsnest.jpg"><br /></a>http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/03/easter-treat-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-7394895178279190253Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:33:00 +00002010-03-19T06:55:07.112-07:00St. Patrick's DayTheme PartiesA St. Patrick's Day Party/Playdate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6N952HZtLI/AAAAAAAACYo/Irpt3qKbP50/s1600-h/Image1111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6N952HZtLI/AAAAAAAACYo/Irpt3qKbP50/s400/Image1111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450338406781007026" border="0" /></a>I had promised both of my kids playdates this week. When I realized St. Patrick's Day was the same week I decided to combine their playdates and have a party. We started out our playdate with snacks. I served green grapes, sliced green apples, green frosted mini cupcakes, sun chips, sugar cookies, and green punch. I placed a sprite bottle at each place setting for the kids. I sprinkled Andes mints, Rolo candies, and shamrock confetti down the center of the table for decoration. The kids were excited to find out that they could eat the candies. I also found some green foiled shamrock dollies that I placed under the sprite bottles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I4feAQO7I/AAAAAAAACYI/yhUZk_PKQQU/s1600-h/20100317_128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I4feAQO7I/AAAAAAAACYI/yhUZk_PKQQU/s320/20100317_128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449980612352949170" border="0" /></a>When the kids were done eating their snacks I had them decorate green bags with markers and stickers. The bags were to put their bingo and treasure hunt prizes in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I2A6wr0PI/AAAAAAAACYA/N2RaNR5lJ5g/s1600-h/20100318_3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I2A6wr0PI/AAAAAAAACYA/N2RaNR5lJ5g/s320/20100318_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449977888473075954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6OCA64EFaI/AAAAAAAACY4/84Y98y-1EVw/s1600-h/20100317_109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 93px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6OCA64EFaI/AAAAAAAACY4/84Y98y-1EVw/s320/20100317_109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450342926364448162" border="0" /></a>We played a St. Patrick's Day version of Bingo. You can download this game free from the Executive Homemaker, click <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.executivehomemaker.com/2009/03/st-patricks-day-bingo/">HERE </a>for the game. I printed it on white card stock and changed my print settings to print four sheets to a page, which saved me a lot of colored ink. The kids all had fun filling their bags with prizes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I7FPrPtvI/AAAAAAAACYQ/_v_Tu3lLxxw/s1600-h/20100317_132.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6I7FPrPtvI/AAAAAAAACYQ/_v_Tu3lLxxw/s320/20100317_132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449983460365022962" border="0" /></a>After bingo I sent the kids on a treasure hunt. I cut shamrocks out of green paper and then wrote the clues on them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6IuPiEHDwI/AAAAAAAACXY/Q9hZ0RHAius/s1600-h/20100317_64.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S6IuPiEHDwI/AAAAAAAACXY/Q9hZ0RHAius/s320/20100317_64.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449969343448682242" border="0" /></a>At the end of the treasure hunt they found a black bucket (the closest thing I could find to resemble a pot of gold) filled with prize bags. Each prize bag had a bottle of bubbles, a mini squirt gun, a pack of gum, a lucky green coin, and a few candies.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-partyplaydate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1729381603360686990Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:55:00 +00002010-03-15T07:32:55.364-07:00St. Patrick's DaySt. Patrick's Day IdeasI know it has been a long time since I have posted to this blog. I have been really busy this last month but it looks like I am going to have a little more free time again, which I am excited about.<br /><br />I have been promising my kids a play date and when I saw St. Patrick's Day was coming up I couldn't resist planning it for that day. I was looking for ideas online this morning and decided to share a few of them in case any of you were looking for last minute ideas too.<br /><br />I also want to say thank you to those who gave me blog awards, I was very flattered!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S54_5V0PLdI/AAAAAAAACW4/ImmuDFgaQYs/s1600-h/20100225_0345+cc.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S54_5V0PLdI/AAAAAAAACW4/ImmuDFgaQYs/s320/20100225_0345+cc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448862853506215378" border="0" /> </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://secretsofasupermommy.blogspot.com/2010/02/17-fun-things-to-do-for-st-patricks-day.html">Secrets of a Super Mommy</a> shares 17 fun things to do for St. Patrick's Day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S54-6cj6-qI/AAAAAAAACWw/d1ARgpjyjaU/s1600-h/LUCKY+PENNY+TEMPLATE.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S54-6cj6-qI/AAAAAAAACWw/d1ARgpjyjaU/s320/LUCKY+PENNY+TEMPLATE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448861772985072290" border="0" /></a>You can download this Lucky Penny template for free from <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://pumpkinpetunia.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-patricks-day-printable-free-template.html">Pumpkin Petunia</a>. I printed some on white card stock and thought they turned out cute. All you have to do is add a shiny penny!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S548bKEZpyI/AAAAAAAACWg/3jSk33mLDpA/s1600-h/st.+patrick%27s+day+bingo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S548bKEZpyI/AAAAAAAACWg/3jSk33mLDpA/s320/st.+patrick%27s+day+bingo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448859036421826338" border="0" /></a>You can download this free St. Patrick's Day bingo game over at the <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.executivehomemaker.com/2009/03/st-patricks-day-bingo/">Executive Homemaker</a>. I changed the print setting to print four sheets per page which ended up saving me a lot of colored ink. If you don't change your print setting then you will end up printing one card per page.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S55Bd2yxgwI/AAAAAAAACXA/MQi0UQ7gMjE/s1600-h/FavorBag400.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S55Bd2yxgwI/AAAAAAAACXA/MQi0UQ7gMjE/s320/FavorBag400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448864580345365250" border="0" /></a>You can download free digital papers and these treat bag toppers to use from <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://thedailydigi.com/im-so-lucky-free-gift/">The Daily Digi</a>.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-8598245978497768583Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:53:00 +00002010-02-14T05:40:16.563-08:00Fun recipes to make with kidsRecipesRice Krispy Kisses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f8w_TMmgI/AAAAAAAACWI/CQN_WaZPuwQ/s1600-h/20100210_8411.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f8w_TMmgI/AAAAAAAACWI/CQN_WaZPuwQ/s200/20100210_8411.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438092993629035010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f8u8TJWbI/AAAAAAAACV4/AOtGtCRQBcE/s1600-h/20100211_21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f8u8TJWbI/AAAAAAAACV4/AOtGtCRQBcE/s200/20100211_21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438092958463777202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f87hgrFBI/AAAAAAAACWQ/6_uNNxj2FPk/s1600-h/20100210_15.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3f87hgrFBI/AAAAAAAACWQ/6_uNNxj2FPk/s200/20100210_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438093174611055634" border="0" /></a>I saw this idea on <a href="http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Roots and Wings Co.</span></a> and had to try it out. This was a fun activity to do with my kids. I let my son make the Rice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Krispie</span> mixture and then we greased some funnels and pressed the mixture into them. You can use the same funnel to make multiple kisses. Once the kisses set up we wrapped them in tin foil. I typed some messages in word perfect and then printed them and cut them out. We stuck these in the top of the tin foil. You could make these for any occasion. I typed I Love You!, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">XOXO</span>, and Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br />Here is the original Rice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Krispies</span> treat recipe:<br /><br />3 Tbsp butter or margarine<br />1o oz package of regular marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows<br />6 cups Rice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Krispies</span><br /><br />In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Rice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Krispies</span> cereal. Stir until well coated.<br /><br /><br />Note: I bought a 3 pack of funnels from the Dollar Treehttp://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/02/rice-krispie-kisses.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-6154266857057110102Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:19:00 +00002010-02-09T08:35:30.580-08:00Fun recipes to make with kidsValentine's DayEasy Valentine Pops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3GF1vTQWNI/AAAAAAAACUY/J7B98qDTOp4/s1600-h/blog+photo.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3GF1vTQWNI/AAAAAAAACUY/J7B98qDTOp4/s400/blog+photo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436273383489689810" border="0" /></a>These were super quick and easy to make. My kids both enjoyed this activity and couldn't wait to eat their masterpieces.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3GG8HrYZWI/AAAAAAAACUo/7cFeUKlMlns/s1600-h/blog+photo.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S3GG8HrYZWI/AAAAAAAACUo/7cFeUKlMlns/s400/blog+photo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436274592624174434" border="0" /></a><br />What you will need:<br /><br />A bag of Wilton candy melts or chocolate chips (white, milk or dark chocolate)<br />lollipop sticks<br />Assorted Valentine's Day candies<br />Wax or freezer paper (use the shiny side of freezer paper)<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Pour candy melts or chocolate chips into a zip loc bag and microwave on half power for 30 second intervals until completely melted, squeezing bag inbetween 30 second intervals. Once completely melted cut a small hole in the corner of the zip loc bag and squeeze melted candy out over each lollipop stick in a circular motion. Smooth out the melted candy with the back of a spoon. Immediately decorate with assorted candies. The candy melts will set up within 5 minutes. If you are using chocolate chips then you will need to put the wax paper on a cookie sheet before starting and place the cookie sheet in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or until the melted chocolate is set.<br /><br />Gift idea:<br />Wrap these in clear treat bags and tie them closed with ribbons.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/02/easy-valentine-pops.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-7985274769402011652Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:48:00 +00002010-01-31T12:59:50.473-08:00Fun recipes to make with kidsSnow Ice Cream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2XtHpcDcSI/AAAAAAAACTg/-70OIEtRyCI/s1600-h/snow+ice+cream.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2XtHpcDcSI/AAAAAAAACTg/-70OIEtRyCI/s400/snow+ice+cream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433009241130758434" border="0" /></a>My friend Lisa shared this recipe on her blog. It sounded easy and I knew my kids would love the idea of making ice cream out of snow. It only took a few minutes to make and my kids loved it. I thought it was pretty tasty too. :) You should try it out the next time you get some snow.<br /><br />Here is the recipe:<br /><br />1 c. milk<br />1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />1/2 c. sugar<br />4-6 cups clean snow, unpacked<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together and add more snow as needed. (We used about 6 cups total)<br />Top with chocolate chips, sprinkles or any other ice cream topping you desire.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/01/snow-ice-cream.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1162568748605522478Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:50:00 +00002010-01-27T08:04:31.745-08:00Valentine's DayValentine's Day Food Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2BiEbJbizI/AAAAAAAACTA/MZKni4nl84g/s1600-h/Image1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2BiEbJbizI/AAAAAAAACTA/MZKni4nl84g/s400/Image1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431448978755128114" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some fun recipes to make for Valentine's Day. Just click on the links for the recipes and directions.<br /><br />1. Chocolate Bowls from <a href="http://www.stephanieskitchen.com/2009/02/chocolate-bowls.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.stephanieskitchen.com.</span> </a><br /><br />2. Oreo Kisses from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/for-valentines-day-give-someone-a-big-kiss/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Bakerella.</span></a><br /><br />3. Heart pastries from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Valentine-Napoleons"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.tasteofhome.com</span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">.</span><br /><br />4. Chocolate cups from <a href="http://www.brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=39"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.brightideas.com.</span></a><br /><br />5. Mini heart cakes from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/mini-heart-shaped-cake?backto=true&amp;backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-treats#slide_11"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.marthastewart.com.</span></a><br /><br />6. Heart shaped pancakes from <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/valentines_day_breakfast_ideas.htm">www.activityvillage.co.uk.</a><br /><br />7. Cookie pops from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/02/tutorial-valentine-sugar-cookie-pops.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.ourbestbites.com.</span></a><br /><br />8. Jello cups from <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/cupids-cups-104723.aspx"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">www.kraftfoods.com.</span></a><br /><br />9. Heart fruit kabobs from www.parents.com.<br />I couldn't find the link for this one but the picture is from parents.com.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/01/valentines-day-food-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1800219559635879437Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:37:00 +00002010-01-27T13:06:58.516-08:00Valentine's DayFree Valentine's Day Printables<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2CmEEejMnI/AAAAAAAACTI/2lEyZCJ1u-k/s1600-h/Image11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S2CmEEejMnI/AAAAAAAACTI/2lEyZCJ1u-k/s400/Image11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431523739460383346" border="0" /></a>Here are some free Valentine's Day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">printables</span> that I found on line. Just click on the links to go to the websites for the directions and downloads.<br /><br />1. You can download these cute Valentine's Day gift tags from the <a href="http://therubberpunkin.blogspot.com/2010/01/be-mine-freebie.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Rubber <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Punkin</span>.</span></a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://triciarennea.blogspot.com/2010/01/valentine-banner.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Tricia-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rennea</span></span></a> shares this printable Valentine's Day banner. Don't you love it?!<br /><br />3. <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2010/01/diy-valentine%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99s-day-goodie-bags/">Twig and Thistle</a> shares this cute Valentine's Day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">goodie</span> bag printable. For some reason I can't get the link to work on this one. Just search for Valentine's Day goodie bags on her site and it should pull it up.<br /><br />4. This brownie bag printable is also from <a href="http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2010/01/diy-valentines-day-brownie-bags/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Twig and Thistle. </span></a>http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/01/free-valentines-day-printables.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-3321028564996783225Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:31:00 +00002010-01-06T06:49:14.065-08:00Family Home Evening Lessons for a Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S0SfEjxDk5I/AAAAAAAACNw/HshyqBwaKoQ/s1600-h/2010FHELessons.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/S0SfEjxDk5I/AAAAAAAACNw/HshyqBwaKoQ/s400/2010FHELessons.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423634751930209170" border="0" /></a><br />Every Monday night our church encourages us to hold a Family Home Evening. My kids always look forward to Monday nights. We start out with a prayer and song and then have a short lesson, play a game and end with a treat.<br /><br />One of my friends sent me this attachment in an email. I was so excited to get this! Each lesson includes a suggested opening song, scripture, lesson content and activity idea. It's geared for Junior Primary age children (using strictly Behold Your Little Ones, Primary Manuals 1, 2 and 3 and the Friend Magazine as resources). There are 48 lessons and they correspond to the weekly themes of the 2010 Outline for Sharing Time and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CSMP</span>."<br /><br />A few people were having trouble downloading the file. Once they downloaded the newest version of Adobe Reader they were able to download it without any problem. I was able to download it just fine.<br /><br />You can download this file on <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.sugardoodle.info/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=5512%3A2010-family-home-evening-lessons&amp;catid=4492&amp;Itemid=200001">www.sugardoodle.net</a><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.sugardoodle.info/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=5512%3A2010-family-home-evening-lessons&amp;catid=4492&amp;Itemid=200001">. </a>I love people that are willing to share their time and talents to help others.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2010/01/family-home-evening-lessons-for-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-3194751712356933749Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:44:00 +00002009-12-30T22:05:05.721-08:00ChristmasTheme PartiesA Snowman Themed Play Date<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Szw-sGuhghI/AAAAAAAACNg/Kfkh9vwkGgA/s1600-h/20091215_51.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Szw-sGuhghI/AAAAAAAACNg/Kfkh9vwkGgA/s400/20091215_51.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421276978888147474" border="0" /></a><br />I couldn't decide if I should post this or not. I know it is past Christmas but if I don't post it now I probably never will. I hosted a Snowman themed play date for my kids and a few of their friends from school. We watched Frosty the Snowman, had snowman themed treats and made a snowman craft. We also sent each of the kids home with a snowman soup mix.<br /><br />For the treats I served hot cocoa, snowballs, stick arms, snowman noses, snowman hats and pieces of coal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eDwP4i7I/AAAAAAAACKY/Jzjc2LWQHx4/s1600-h/snowballs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eDwP4i7I/AAAAAAAACKY/Jzjc2LWQHx4/s320/snowballs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417159714124893106" border="0" /></a><br />Powdered donut holes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eDXxcmjI/AAAAAAAACKQ/uuRAsOOxpmw/s1600-h/stick+arms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eDXxcmjI/AAAAAAAACKQ/uuRAsOOxpmw/s320/stick+arms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417159707554781746" border="0" /></a><br />Pretzel sticks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eCw7-s6I/AAAAAAAACKI/rjjkQgn38ZA/s1600-h/snowman+noses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eCw7-s6I/AAAAAAAACKI/rjjkQgn38ZA/s320/snowman+noses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417159697129976738" border="0" /></a><br />Carrot sticks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eCgf5Y6I/AAAAAAAACKA/r1wxn8QuIC8/s1600-h/snowman+hats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eCgf5Y6I/AAAAAAAACKA/r1wxn8QuIC8/s320/snowman+hats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417159692717220770" border="0" /></a><br />Fudge striped cookies with mini Reese's peanut butter cups on top<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eEAF6_uI/AAAAAAAACKg/nlf5MtdKVvI/s1600-h/Pieces+of+Coal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2eEAF6_uI/AAAAAAAACKg/nlf5MtdKVvI/s320/Pieces+of+Coal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417159718378077922" border="0" /></a>Mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oreo's</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Szw89GZEgDI/AAAAAAAACNY/iqRIXzDCxjg/s1600-h/20091215_54.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Szw89GZEgDI/AAAAAAAACNY/iqRIXzDCxjg/s400/20091215_54.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421275071832686642" border="0" /></a><br />For the craft I cut out 3", 3.5", and 4" circles with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cricut</span> machine. I set out chocolate chips, pretzel sticks, glitter glue, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Elmer's</span> glue, markers and pom poms. I gave them each a 12X12 sheet of card stock. I also cut out the noses and hats for them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2lozgCBOI/AAAAAAAACLQ/qur7-aZGvUg/s1600-h/snowman+soup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Sy2lozgCBOI/AAAAAAAACLQ/qur7-aZGvUg/s320/snowman+soup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417168047234483426" border="0" /></a><br />They each got to take home a Snowman Soup Mix. (a hot cocoa packet, a bag of mini marshmallows, a few Hershey kisses and a candy cane) Here is the Snowman Soup poem that went along with it:<br /><br />Snowman Soup<br /><br />When the snowmen<br />get real chilly,<br />they make<br />a yummy brew.<br /><br />Here's their secret<br />snowman soup mix.<br />You can make some too!<br /><br />Pour the Cocoa.<br />Add hot water.<br />Stir<br />with the peppermint stick.<br /><br />Toss in kisses<br />and marshmallows.<br />It's sure to do the trick.<br /><br />-Gina Janehttp://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/12/snowman-themed-play-datechristmas-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-7851897686478013457Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:02:00 +00002009-12-26T07:39:48.442-08:00ChristmasCreative Place Card Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzYtqFUTGyI/AAAAAAAACMo/3BhZDtVwhcg/s1600-h/20091225_1741.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzYtqFUTGyI/AAAAAAAACMo/3BhZDtVwhcg/s400/20091225_1741.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419569402592041762" /></a><br />We had my husband's cousin and her family over for Christmas dinner this year. I wanted to do something different from the traditional place cards. I decided to wrap the plates with ribbon to look like presents. To make the name tags I printed the names onto card stock and then cut them out into a gift tag shape and punched a hole through the tops.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzYmp1pT7dI/AAAAAAAACMg/9MxSegGbbaE/s1600-h/20091225_15011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzYmp1pT7dI/AAAAAAAACMg/9MxSegGbbaE/s320/20091225_15011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419561701803814354" /></a><br />I didn't have a lot of room to work with on the kid's table so I decided to put their names on the straws. I printed their names on card stock, punched them out with a 2 inch craft punch, punched holes in the tops and bottoms with a regular sized hole punch and then slid them onto the straws. They also each got a chocolate Santa for dessert.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/12/creative-place-card-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-1572360746780022731Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:53:00 +00002009-12-21T16:14:49.529-08:00ChristmasCupcakes and CakesChristmas Ornament Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzAPXlLEZTI/AAAAAAAACLo/_7i0tWQGrNY/s1600-h/blog+photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SzAPXlLEZTI/AAAAAAAACLo/_7i0tWQGrNY/s400/blog+photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417847249516651826" /></a><br />I saw this idea on Family Fun's website. My kids both had fun making these. We frosted the cupcakes and decorated them with mini M&M's. For the tops we broke off pieces of pretzels and stuck them into unwrapped mini Reese's peanut butter cups. I thought they turned out pretty cute for how simple they were to put together.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-ornament-cupcakes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-3594377722100690118Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:22:00 +00002009-12-19T20:46:01.537-08:00ChristmasCreative Gift IdeasSuper Cute Christmas Gift Idea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-LeFKCyI/AAAAAAAACJ4/mBEzEAFclM0/s1600-h/20091219_25.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-LeFKCyI/AAAAAAAACJ4/mBEzEAFclM0/s320/20091219_25.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416983924826573602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-KlL11JI/AAAAAAAACJo/frny8Fh5dag/s1600-h/20091219_20.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-KlL11JI/AAAAAAAACJo/frny8Fh5dag/s320/20091219_20.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416983909553788050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-LM5MdFI/AAAAAAAACJw/veZH5emEgeM/s1600-h/20091219_21.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/Syz-LM5MdFI/AAAAAAAACJw/veZH5emEgeM/s320/20091219_21.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416983920212997202" /></a><br />This was a gift from my friend Krystal. She was kind enough to give me permission to share her idea. Unfortunately, I don't have the recipes to share with it. The treats were all delicious! On the front of the gift box it says, "Congratulations! You made it on our nice list!" She came up with the cutest sayings for each of the treats. <br /><br />Here are the sayings:<br /><br />Snow Cookies- 100% Yellow Snow Free, Guaranteed! Let it snow, let it snow, LET IT SNOW!<br /><br />Candy Bar Brownies- The peanuts are nestled all snug in the caramel, while visions of fudge layered above their heads.<br /><br />Cranberry Cheesecake Bars- It is a little known fact that these bars will actually help you lose wieght. Step 1: Eat a small bar. Step 2: Shop the 5 miles in the mall for all the gifts. Step 3: Climb the roof to put up the lights. Step 4: Assemble the tree and inside decorations. Step 5:...<br /><br />Reindeer Droppings- Unlike Mistletoe, you don't want to be caught under the reindeer on Christmas Eve.<br /><br />Santa's Favorite Cookie- (Neman Marcus)Being bad all year doesn't necessarily mean coal...if you leave the right cookies.<br /><br />Bah-humbug mints- They hope your Christmas sucks!<br /><br />Merry Cherry Bars- Our effort to recycle this year; made out of Rudolph's burnt out noses.<br /><br />M&M Cookies- The elves take at least two each year to: Increase holiday cheer and Reduce holiday humbug.<br /><br />Orange Carrot Cookies- Almost 20 snowman gave their noses for these cookies...Shhhh, don't tell our neighbors. <br /><br />Cake Brownies- The anti fruitcake.<br /><br />Snowball Cookies- They melt in your mouth not in your hands.<br /><br />Banana Jumbos- Frosty's tropical delight. The closest thing the gets to a South American Cruise.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/12/super-cute-creative-gift-idea.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025538499960316648.post-7459353393593130355Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:45:00 +00002009-12-17T07:47:24.160-08:00Christmas12 Days of Service Idea for Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SypEWUv_JVI/AAAAAAAACIw/4MaddnT3eVk/s1600-h/12+days+of+service.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_suZ102hgTBM/SypEWUv_JVI/AAAAAAAACIw/4MaddnT3eVk/s400/12+days+of+service.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416216652184233298" /></a><br />We bought small Christmas trees for each of our kids to put in their bedrooms. Each year we make different types of ornaments that they can decorate their trees with. This year I decided to have them decorate paper ornaments to go along with the 12 Days of Service idea that I came up with. Last Monday for family home evening we had a lesson on the true meaning of Christmas. We read Mosiah 2:17 from the Book of Mormon: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” We discussed how doing kind acts of service for others is the best gift we can give to the Savior. After the kids finished decorating their ornaments we let them hang them on their trees. Each morning when they wake up the first thing they do is pick an ornament off of their tree. It has been fun to watch them get excited to serve. I think this will be a new tradition in our family.<br /><br />To make the ornaments I used a 3" craft punch to cut out different colored card stock. I punched holes in the tops and strung ribbon through them. You could also use a cricut machine or trace cookie cutters for different shapes. I printed out a list of 12 service ideas, cut them out and used double sided tape to attach them to the back of the ornaments. I let them use foam Christmas stickers, glitter glue and markers to decorate them with.<br /><br />Here is a list of the 12 service ideas that I came up with:<br /><br />1- Make a Christmas card for your primary teacher.<br />2- Make a Christmas card for your school teacher.<br />3- Do something nice for your sister/brother<br />4- Find a chore to do without being asked.<br />5- Call a relative to tell them that you love them.<br />6- Write a letter or draw a picture for a cousin and mail it to them.<br />7- Make Christmas cards for your Grandparents.<br />8- Make a Christmas card for the Bishop.<br />9- Deliver a gift to a friend.<br />10- Deliver a gift to a neighbor.<br />11- Do something nice for your mom.<br />12- Do something nice for your dad.http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/12/12-days-of-service-idea-for-kids.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jadi)13